trade update…

Water specialist Aqua Optima has been the driving force behind the hot water market, which has increased by almost 150% this year. The company has doubled its turnover as a result of a recent advertising campaign and an increase in distribution and marketing activity.
In response to the growing identity fraud, Allianz Schemes has developed an ID fraud insurance product – ‘Identity Protector’ that can be tailored to the needs of specific customer groups, and is different from standard products on the market in that it provides the partners of those who die with specific protection against deceased fraud.
Nearly £90,000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support at the Macmillan De’Longhi Coffee Art Auction through the sale of over   40 original works of art donated by a group of internationally celebrated artists.  
DSGi Group saw underlying pre-tax profits fall by almost 26% after a disappointing performance from PC World and UniEuro. Profit before tax fell to £51.4m from £70.3m on revenue up 8% to £3.38bn. Sir John Collins, group chairman said he was nevertheless “pleased with the performances of the UK electricals businesses as well as our operations in the Nordics, Greece and Central Europe.”
The retra Annual Industry Conference takes place between Sunday 27 and Tuesday 29 April 2008 in the Algarve, Portugal.  Speakers will include Danny Churchill, director of the Digital TV Group.  Motivational speaker Richard Hammond will provide practical ideas for retail success.
SEBO has extended its guarantee on all domestic vacuum cleaners to a five-year parts and labour guarantee.  It has also introduced the SEBO Pet range which comprises the Felix Pet, an upright machine, and the K1 Pet,   a cylinder.